BBQ brings people together

We hosted the 2nd Annual Raven Drive Cook-off. Let me tell you, food really brings people together! We had more than 50 people come out for the occasion. Many of them entered food items to be voted on by judges, all for the purpose of winning a non-prestigious title, such as 'Best Side Dish'. It was definitely more about the fun and people, than it was about winning something. The judges (everyone who came) were the biggest winners of all because they got to enjoy tons of delicious food!!!
There were 10 entries of meat, two of each kind, most cooked/smoked over fire, all delicious!

This was a table full of yummy side dishes and desserts. Everyone's participation in this event was great!

This taste tester is excited to get started on her judging. Everyone had to have two plates so that they could keep track of which entry was which. Kids got to vote too!


The ballots were collected and counted to determine who the honors went to. I have to give props to entry E here because on the ballot that I see here in the photo, it is marked as the best brisket, however E should have been marked in the "other meats" category because it was tri-tip. Sorry for the confusion for our judges, and this happened on a handful of ballots, so the Tri-tip Entry E also deserves more props. We will have to prevent that confusion for the 3rd Annual Raven Drive Cook-off.

There were 5 titles to be won this year. James has won best brisket throughout the history of the competition, as well as my hubby in the Ribs category. Congratulations go out to Aaron with 1st Place Other Meat, Dave with 1st Place Side Dish, and Kamryn with the 1st Place Dessert. Everything was absolutely delish!!! Looking forward to next year already!